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There are plenty of ways to add value or ambiance to your home, but perhaps the easiest and most effective way is landscaping, and it doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, landscaping can have a big impact on your guests’ first impression of your home. The moment they step out of the car, they will already be assessing your property, so you need to ensure that your outdoor space will leave a good impression.
So, before you start your landscaping project, you need to determine your budget and what elements you want to add to your garden, and the costs of each element. There are several ways you can implement in your landscaping project that will make a world of difference. This only shows that landscaping doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are a few landscaping ideas that are simple and effective but are budget-friendly:
Many contemporary walkways can be poured in oversized pavers that create a look of giant stepping stones. You can also take advantage of other shapes, such as circles or rectangles to create a bold geometric pattern. It is also possible to plant Bermuda grass in spaces between the poured concrete pavers to give more vibrant colours to your walkway.
Overall, concrete is a great option to consider especially in landscaping since it is more affordable, durable, and versatile than its other more expensive counterpart. We always think of spending our time in our outdoor area especially during summer, but for most homeowners in Australia, having an alfresco in their backyard is always on top of their list since it adds glamour and ambiance to your outdoor space.
In this article, we’re going to share some essential tips that will transform your property into a luxurious and stylish outdoor space that you’ve always wanted to have. Here are some of the things you can do to make your backyard into a perfect outdoor space:
If you have a large alfresco, it is ideal to create a dining area and lounge space complete with bar and kitchen. So, to add some pizzazz to your outdoor area, you can specify the functions of each small area based on their intended purpose.
To change the scenery and feel of your outdoor area, you can add a few pots of different sizes with lots of greenery to break up the starkness of your wooden decking or concrete pavers.
In your dining area, you can add a centerpiece or table runner depending on the season you’re on. Also, think about lighting and the ambiance it can provide you. In fact, string lights can add dimension to your space during evenings and it gives an inviting feeling for both your family and guests.
This means you could put accessories and colours in your outdoor area that complement the existing features of your indoors.
Most pool owners these days are looking for a more refined, renaissance, simple design. So, the days of flashy swim-up bars and flashy glass windows are no longer on the top of their list. Another thing that is being considered now is the landscape around the swimming pool since it will give a good vibe or ambiance for all pool users.
It’s common nowadays to see a swimming pool situated in the middle of the garden. Therefore, pool designs will now include a garden and other outdoor fixture like concrete furniture as well as other elements that could add beauty to the surroundings of the pool. However, several factors should also be considered to ensure a successful design. If you’re planning to put a swimming pool in the middle of your garden, then you should consider the size and scale of the pool you want to put there since it needs to sit well in that area. The size must compliment your home and garden, and the pool should not overwhelm them. Make it simple Nearly all the pool designs these days have a simple layout and shape, and they are typically rectangular or square which sits best in the proposed location. Other features like floating steppers and swimouts may dominate the rest of the garden and may not be applicable in the area. That is why the trend now leans towards simplicity in shape, which reduced the oversized pools. So, the most popular sizes are now up to 8 x 4 metres. Infinity-edge pools, which are a popular trend for many years, can still be a viable design, but you need to follow a clean design feature and must be placed in the correct location. So, a wet-edge pool will now look like a sheet of glass overlooking the rest of the landscape or garden. Also, fully tiled pool interiors are now within reach by many pool owners since tiles are now more affordable and there are many benefits one can enjoy from a tiled pool. In fact, fully tiled pools are easier to maintain and clean since pool-sized have decreased, so does the costs of fully tiling them have also been reduced – making this a great option to consider even if you have a limited budget. Technology and swimming pools It wouldn’t be 2020 without the mobile devices or smartphones making its way into the swimming pool industry. It is now possible to control and operate the pool filtration and heating equipment from the convenience of your iPhone or Android smartphone. This technology is called Tri-link controllers, which is an intuitive system that links up to your mobile phone with the pool’s filtration system. With this technology, it is now easier to maintain a pool even if you have a busy lifestyle. Overall, pool design trends for 2020 have evolved and now favours simple designs that complement the rest of the landscape. Most importantly, technology has come to the mix - making the life of pool owners easier since it’s now easier to maintain a pool. In fact, Pool owners wouldn’t want to maintain a complicated and huge pool, and they just want to enjoy their time in a small-sized but trendy pool. From brick to gravel, rock to logs, bluestone to a concrete walkway, there are several options to choose from for your backyard path. But no matter what type of materials you’ll be using, it is essential to plan the design of your pathway, because a well-planned backyard not only makes traversing easier, but it will also accentuate the beauty of your outdoor space.
Here are 6 of our backyard path ideas that you might want to consider for your property:
When buying stone for your walkway, you need to consider the climate in your area, because you live in a cold place then you might want to use dense stone like bluestone or granite. You should also use a stone that suits your house’s architectural style. If you have a contemporary home, then you should choose a stone with clean, sharp lines or module geometric-shaped stone that brings that rustic look and character of a country home.
You don’t need to work hard to spruce up your patio because there are several things you can do to get your outdoor space in shape. In fact, there are some tips and tricks that will transform your rather mediocre patio into an amazing one.
So, no matter if you have a small or large outdoor space you can easily perk it up. Here are some ideas to help you add colour and life to your patio.
So, even if you have a small outdoor patio, it must not stop you from trying to make it a colourful and welcoming space that anyone can enjoy. In fact, decorative seat cushions are not that expensive, and they’re available everywhere even in your neighborhood home depot.
Also, choose a vivid colour that will set a more fun ambiance for your patio. For sure, your children will appreciate the repainted furniture and they may even spend more time in your outdoor area.
Even if you have a small patio, you can add various plants by spacing them out and planning ahead.
Overall, you have the option to do these simple tweaks and update the look of your patio and make it more amazing. Are you looking for more concrete maintenance advice? Be sure to check out our other awesome tips or learn more about our professional concreting services by visiting our website at Mornington Peninsula Concreters Have you ever looked at a porch, sidewalk, or concrete walkway and admired its beauty but was suddenly turned off by those unsightly cracks? Concrete cracks are a normal occurrence, but it can affect the look of a concrete surface or wall if left unchecked or might even lead to costly repairs in the long run.
In fact, there are several reasons why this is happening, but the most common reason for cracks in the concrete is called drying shrinkage. This occurs when the concrete hardens and begins to shrink. Usually, concrete shrinks around 1/8 inch in twenty feet and its internal tensile stresses, and that can lead to cracks. However, you need to understand that the key to a beautiful concrete surface or wall is proper preparation since scaling, cracking, crazing, and pitting in concrete are very common, and this usually happens due to the changes in temperature, moisture variations and changes in the soil. But there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening more often. Here are some tips to consider so you’ll have a crack-free concrete on your property. Avoid gaps and voids in your concrete According to a recent study, it has been discovered that there has been an increase in ant activity in several suburbs in Australia, particularly in Perth. These little buggers are usually the culprit when it comes to voids under pavers and other concrete surfaces since this can lead to cracking due to contraction and expansion. Although ants are not the only reason for voids or gaps in concrete since there might be a buried building material like paper, timer, or unseen root system that can eventually affect the stability of the concrete and can also lead to voids and unwanted cracking. That is why proper consolidation is essential in achieving low levels of cracking, which means careful preparation should be taken before pouring concrete on the ground. You need to ensure that the soil is cured, and there is no buried material underneath it before concreting the surface. Reinforced and use expansion filler All concrete should be reinforced after a few years of its existence. In fact, reinforcing can help strengthen concrete and can even minimise unsightly cracks opening wider. It is recommended that you also use reo bars on corners for added strength. Another thing you can do is add expansion filler, which can be used anywhere on the concrete, especially on parts where cracks are visible. Expansion fillers can also be used in between walls and along external piers or anywhere with corners. Controlled cracking It’s also possible to minimise cracking by placing control joints at regular intervals on a concrete surface to create a weak point, so cracks can only happen in that area. By using a saw cutting tool, a concreter can cut the weak point, which is no larger than 3 meters or possibly less. Usually, control joints should be placed on corners and plumbing outlets, so you need to ensure that all your plumbing is well below sand level with 100mm of sand cover and must be compacted and made solid. To get more tips about concrete and concreting projects, we urge you to visit our website at Mornington Peninsula Concreters for more details. Concrete is one of the most significant breakthroughs in the construction industry, and it is being celebrated all around the world for its aesthetic beauty, durability, toughness and value-for-money. However, it doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to the amount of finishing options it can provide you.
It’s a malleable material, and you can add your own touch to the concrete to get the exceptional finish you’ve always wanted. Here is a guide to concrete finishing and these will include the following:
Concrete has been known as a strong material used in various building construction and house foundations. However, concreters in Mornington and interior designers found a way to make concrete more versatile by using them in a variety of unusual ways to produce stylistic fixtures in your house.
Here are some of the most unexpected uses of concrete and these will include the following: Concrete Stairways Concrete is considered a heavy material, but it can be mould into a concrete stairway that may look like it’s floating on air. In order to create a concrete stairway, a concretor must create a mould pattern first and pour the mixed concrete into the mould. Once the concrete has been cured, the concretor will now remove the mould and the solid concrete stairway is ready to use. Concrete benchtops and sinks Concrete benchtops and sinks are now becoming a popular trend among many households in Australia since they provide a variety of effects and ambiance to your house. It’s also more durable and stylish than its conventional counterpart which is created using marble. Also, a concrete sink can be integrated with a concrete benchtop or the sink can be built separately. Although an integrated sink is more expensive, but the benefits outweigh the costs. In fact, a polished concrete benchtop will cost about the same as an engineered benchtop. But a concrete benchtop is custom made for your kitchen, so it’s relatively better than any pre-made benchtops on the market. Interior concrete rendering Another popular trend in Australis today is rendering exterior brick walls and it’s a little bit unusual for concrete to be used this way, but it’s a popular technique worth looking into. In fact, concrete rendering walls will have three options, and this can be patterned, smooth or textured. It’s also a popular choice among homeowners since it has that minimalist look. Some homes even render most of their walls to mimic that brick industrial look, but this technique is usually used on feature walls. Concrete Furniture We all know that concrete is a rock-hard surface, but it was created from a wet material, so this means it can be poured into a mould and can be used to create various types of outdoor furniture. The good thing about concrete furniture is that it’s easy to maintain and it might be the solution you’re looking for. It also provides an earthy ambiance to your outdoor recreation areas and it can also be stylish especially if you used coloured concrete. Overall, these are just some of the few ideas to think about when renovating or building your house. A concrete can be used in a variety of ways and can be the perfect material for your needs. It’s strong, durable, long-lasting, and be a stylish feature in and around your home. If you want to learn more about concrete and how it can be used in any of your construction or renovation projects, you can contact Mornington Peninsula Concreters for more details. They have a team of highly skilled and professional concreters who can help you with your concreting needs. Whether you have a concrete patio or a large concrete driveway, it is essential to extend its life and keep it looking great for several years. That is why knowing how to maintain concrete is a must for all homeowners, because it can make the difference between a concrete that people are scared to walk on versus a concrete surface that grabs your guests’ attention.
Concrete is easy to maintain, and you can handle it on your own, but you need to know the proper way to do it. Here is a list of tips for preserving life and these will include the following: · Clean your concrete regularly The best way to keep your concrete looking good is to clean it regularly. In fact, thorough cleaning using a high-pressure water sprayer can help remove dirt and debris and give the concrete surface an attractive look.
· Avoiding harsh tools and other items that may cause scratches Heavy furniture and sharp tools should be kept away from your concrete or at least use furniture protectors on the bottom of the table, chairs and other fixtures. This will prevent any unnecessary scratches or cracks that will affect the look of your concrete surface. · Limit the weight on your residential concrete driveway Although concrete is a very strong and durable material, residential concrete is not designed to hold heavy materials. Therefore, you shouldn’t allow any heavy machinery or oversized vehicles like a lorry or delivery truck to park on your driveway. Heavy vehicles should only park on the street to avoid any unnecessary damage to your concrete driveway. · Avoid using damaging substances Lastly, never apply wax to your polished concrete floor, because it can cause irreversible damage to your surface. In fact, the wax will build up over time, resulting in a dulled finish on your entire floor. We hope these tips will help you in maintaining the look and feel of your concrete floors and avoid the need for any costly repairs. We all understand that a concrete floor can be a significant investment, so you want to make sure that they stay in their pristine condition as long as possible. If you hvae any questions, or need some help with your concrete maintenance, get into contact with Mornington Peninsula Concreters. If you are choosing material to build a new driveway, it is important to consider the characteristics of different materials. Some are more expensive and attractive, while others are cheaper and less interesting. The durability of the material must be considered, as well as maintaining it.
Here are the most popular driveway materials: Concrete Concrete has a long life span of 25 to 50 years, due to its durability and versatility, concrete is very convenient. It is resistant to different weather conditions, and it is a long-lasting material for driveways. Concrete is a stable and safe foundation suitable for all climate zones and requires minimal maintenance. However, concrete is very expensive, and despite all the above, it is quite a bland material. Stamped concrete Stamped concrete is also known as imprinted concrete. Numerous designs and colours make it perfect for beautifying outdoor spaces while maintaining will require less effort than the other materials. Stamped concrete will increase the value of your place and the material is durable and long-lasting. However, minor cracks can occasionally show up on the stamped concrete driveway, and the repair can be really difficult. Bricks Bricks are quite durable, lasting around 25 years. If the bricks are placed correctly, a flat surface can be achieved. You will need to maintain regularly the brick driveway. Brick washing is required twice a year, and you need to be careful not to peel the clay. Pavers Pavers have a life span of around 40 years. If you want your driveway to be attractive, pavers are the ideal choice that will give your driveway an extremely luxurious look. Pavers are a great choice for places exposed to frost and ice as well. Digging the base will request a lot of time, as well as laying the material which makes the project time consuming and expensive. Gravel The price of a gravel driveway can make it desirable for many. Gravel is one of the most durable materials for driveways (durability will depend on the weather conditions). Gravel is the best option for your budget, especially if you have big and long driveways. It also creates a stable surface that sheds the water easily. Depending on the expose of pressure over the gravel, you will need to regrade your driveway every year, and once the long winter is gone, you will probably need to replace some part of your driveway. Bitumen The bitumen price is similar to gravel, but the life span of bitumen is shorter than a concrete driveway. Bitumen is a resinous material that is thick, black, and sticky. Durability, in addition to low prices, is a great advantage. Bitumen can be extremely hot in the summer, and durability is lower than a concrete driveway. If any of the concrete options stand out to you, contact us for all concreting services in Mornington. |
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January 2021
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